Kabras bank on South African flair against Impala

What you need to know:

  • Kabras have been sublime in their execution this season
  • Impala Saracens - who Kabras beat 33-17 last season - is their first major test this season
  • Fireworks will also be at Ruaraka Sports Club with an explosive double-header on the card
  • Kenya Harlequin take on Nondescripts while Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) battle it out with Homeboyz

From Fijian flair to South Africa’s all-round style of play but will the change of systems at Kabras Sugar help them recapture the Kenya Cup title?

That is the question as Kabras Sugar host Impala Saracens in a top of the table Kenya Cup league match at the Kakamega showground on Saturday.

Both Kabras Sugar and the Sarries are yet to concede this season. While the Western Kenya lads have won all their four matches with bonus points, Impala have won four but only one with a bonus point.

Forwards Sava Racigi and Apenisa Natambua and backs John Kubu and John Navuso won Kenya Cup title for Kabras in 2016. Then Lekima Kuidraki, Jonasa Dulo and Suliasi Tavodi and Peter Nakarawa joined during at the start of the 2017 season upon the departure of Natambua and Navuso.

But upon being appointed Kabras Sugar Rugby Club chairman, Philip Jalang’o decided to head south to bring in South African coach Henley du Plessis as their head coach.

He joined alongside three players from his native country, eighth man Johanes Claude, utility back Logan Basson and centre Enzo Foutie. But Foutie sustained a knee injury and has been replaced by another South African Mario Wilson from Tygerberg RFC.

Kabras have been sublime in their execution this season. They crashed Mean Machine 41-0, Blak Blad 37-10, Nakuru 50 - 8 and Strathmore 62-13.

Perhaps, Impala Saracens - who Kabras beat 33-17 last season - is their first major test this season. Impala beat Blak Blad 18-15, Nakuru 26-22, Strathmore 16-9 and Machine 22-19.

Kabras Sugar deputy coach Edwin Achayo acknowledges that the Fijians brought what they are known for; their flair and high-level skilful offloads.

“Of course they contributed a lot especially when we won Kenya Cup for the first time in 2016,” said Achayo adding that the style has shifted with Du Plessis and the South Africa players coming in with a different style of play.

“The players also want to bring in their style from home and blend with the local stuff,” explained Achayo. “But it’s good to note that not all South Africans play the same style. Every region has its own style for instance Western Cape that is known for its physical display.”

Fireworks will also be at Ruaraka Sports Club with an explosive double-header on the card.

Kenya Harlequin and Nondescripts will be hoping to recover from previous defeats as they face-off at 2pm before paving way for a potential thriller between defending champions Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) and Homeboyz.

At RFUEA, hosts Mwamba - who claimed their first win the previous weekend - hope to uphold the momentum against Menengai Oilers while limping Strathmore Leos travels to Kenyatta University for a date with a formidable Blak Blad side.

Mwamba and Oilers have one win each while the Leos are hoping for their first win of the season against Blak Blad, who have one win.

Kenya Cup fixture:

Saturday

Nondies v Quins Ruaraka (2pm)

KCB v Homeboyz Ruaraka (4pm)

Kabras Sugar v Impala Saracens (Kakamega) 4pm

Mwamba v Menengai Oilers (RFUEA) 4pm

Blak Blad v Strathmore (Kenyatta University) 4pm

Nakuru v Machine (Nakuru) 4pm